Spring is the time for rejuvenation, growth, and the dreaded seasonal allergies. My orchid finally felt motivated to grow a new leaf, and during my walk I found some daylilies finally sprouting through the mossy knolls. While blooming trees and flowers are beautiful to witness, but for some they are a sign of circulating pollen, ragweed and mold, and sometimes suffering. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies are sneezing, itchy or red eyes, runny nose, sinus congestion and sometimes skin rashes or hives. Both acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formulas work great in harmonizing one’s body with the spring season. The World Health Organization (WHO) even endorses acupuncture for the treatment of allergies. The Mayo clinic describes allergies as follows:

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person-to-person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis.¹

Acupuncture can address seasonal allergy symptoms, but also help support your body’s immune defenses. So basically, you should schedule a visit with an acupuncturist. For more information about how to survive allergy season, click here.

Good luck to all the students on this upcoming week of final exams!

1 – The Mayo Clinic